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Free Residential Builder Practice/Trade and Business/Law Combination Practice Questions

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Sample Practice Questions

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  1. 1A Michigan applicant has finished the required education but has not completed the license examination one year after first applying. What happens to the application?

    1. A. It remains pending for one additional year
    2. B. It becomes void and the processing fee is forfeited
    3. C. It converts to an inactive license application
    4. D. It is approved subject to later examination

    Answer: B

    Explanation: R 338.1521(1) states that “the application shall be void and the application processing fee shall be forfeited” when requirements remain incomplete after one year.

    Reference: Admin Rules R 338 1511 (1566) — Mich. Admin. Code § 338.1521

  2. 2A builder prices a home addition at $12,000 in materials, $8,000 in direct labor, $2,000 in equipment, and $3,000 in overhead. What is the bottom-up cost subtotal before any contingency or profit?

    1. A. $20,000
    2. B. $25,000
    3. C. $22,000
    4. D. $23,000

    Answer: B

    Explanation: "quantities, direct labor, equipment, and overhead costs are derived" The subtotal is $12,000 + $8,000 + $2,000 + $3,000 = $25,000. The other results omit overhead, equipment, or both.

    Reference: U.S. Department of Energy, Cost Estimating Analysis and Standardization — Bottoms-Up Technique

  3. 3An employer withholds federal income tax and employee payroll taxes. Which IRS document supplies the general deposit and reporting rules?

    1. A. Publication 15, Employer's Tax Guide
    2. B. Publication 15-T, Federal Income Tax Withholding Methods
    3. C. Publication 15-A, Employer's Supplemental Tax Guide
    4. D. Instructions for Form 941, quarterly employment-tax return

    Answer: A

    Explanation: IRS Publication 15 is the Employer's Tax Guide for withholding, depositing, reporting, paying, and correcting employment taxes. The official text states, “Employer’s Tax Guide”.

    Reference: 2026 Publication 15 — Introduction and federal employment-tax responsibilities

  4. 4Who must initiate and maintain the accident-prevention programs needed to comply with OSHA construction standards?

    1. A. Each material supplier
    2. B. The project owner only
    3. C. The employer
    4. D. The local zoning board

    Answer: C

    Explanation: 29 CFR 1926.20(b) assigns employers responsibility for initiating and maintaining accident-prevention programs. The official text states, “It shall be the responsibility of the employer to initiate and maintain such programs as may be necessary to comply with this part”.

    Reference: 29 C.F.R. § 1926.1053(b)(5)(i) — 29 C.F.R. § 1926.20(b)

  5. 5Before demolition begins, what investigation does OSHA require a competent person to perform?

    1. A. A structural engineering survey of the structure and nearby exposure
    2. B. A survey locating and controlling every utility service line
    3. C. An employee-exposure survey for respirable crystalline silica
    4. D. An inspection of each personal fall-arrest system before use

    Answer: A

    Explanation: 29 CFR 1926.850(a) requires an engineering survey by a competent person before demolition operations start. The official text states, “an engineering survey shall be made, by a competent person, of the structure to determine the condition of the framing, floors, and walls”.

    Reference: 29 C.F.R. § 1926.1053(b)(5)(i) — 29 C.F.R. § 1926.850(a)

  6. 6Before shoring equipment is erected for concrete work, what must the employer determine?

    1. A. The equipment meets the requirements in the formwork drawings
    2. B. The concrete has reached its specified stripping strength
    3. C. The reshoring has been removed from every completed floor
    4. D. The jacks have raised the formwork after concrete placement

    Answer: A

    Explanation: 29 CFR 1926.703(b)(1) requires shoring equipment to be inspected before erection to determine that it meets the formwork-drawing requirements. The official text states, “All shoring equipment (including equipment used in reshoring operations) shall be inspected prior to erection”.

    Reference: 29 C.F.R. § 1926.1053(b)(5)(i) — 29 C.F.R. § 1926.703(b)(1)

  7. 7For asphalt shingles on a roof slope from 2:12 up to 4:12, what special underlayment treatment is required?

    1. A. No underlayment
    2. B. A double underlayment application
    3. C. Only metal flashing
    4. D. One layer of housewrap

    Answer: B

    Explanation: IRC R905.2.2 requires a double underlayment application for asphalt shingles on slopes from 2:12 up to 4:12. No verbatim quote is included because the readable workDir file is Michigan’s amendment/adoption rule and does not reproduce the cited 2015 IRC provision.

    Reference: Irc2015 Ch9 — R 408.30500 incorporates IRC 2015 R905.2.2

  8. 8What is the general minimum net free ventilating area for enclosed attics under IRC R806.2 before an allowed reduction applies?

    1. A. 1/100 of ventilated area
    2. B. 1/150
    3. C. 1/300
    4. D. 1/500

    Answer: B

    Explanation: IRC R806.2 sets the general ratio at 1/150, with a permitted reduction to 1/300 when stated conditions are met. No verbatim quote is included because the readable workDir file is Michigan’s amendment/adoption rule and does not reproduce the cited 2015 IRC provision.

    Reference: DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, LABOR AND ECONOMIC GROWTH — R 408.30500 incorporates IRC 2015 R806.2

  9. 9How should gypsum-board end joints be arranged when two panels meet over framing?

    1. A. Supported and fastened as required by the installation schedule
    2. B. Left unsupported between studs
    3. C. Covered only with paint
    4. D. Placed over plumbing openings

    Answer: A

    Explanation: IRC R702.3 requires gypsum board to be installed and supported in accordance with its fastening and application provisions. No verbatim quote is included because the readable workDir file is Michigan’s amendment/adoption rule and does not reproduce the cited 2015 IRC provision.

    Reference: DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, LABOR AND ECONOMIC GROWTH — R 408.30500 incorporates IRC 2015 R702.3

  10. 10A trench is 6 feet deep in unstable soil and no exception applies. What protection is required?

    1. A. A compliant protective system against cave-ins
    2. B. Only a warning sign
    3. C. Only high-visibility clothing
    4. D. No protection until 10 feet

    Answer: A

    Explanation: 29 CFR 1926.652(a) requires cave-in protection for employees in excavations, subject to stated rock and shallow-excavation exceptions. The official text states, “Each employee in an excavation shall be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system”.

    Reference: 29 C.F.R. § 1926.1053(b)(5)(i) — 29 C.F.R. § 1926.652(a)

Topics in this practice bank

These topics describe the available practice for Residential Builder Practice/Trade and Business/Law Combination. Review the examination outline and its sources for scope and allocation details.

  • Regulatory and Statutory Requirements
    • Licensing Process and Requirements (application, renewal, display, suspensions and revocations of individual license, Company license)
    • Regulations Governing Conduct and Penalties (place of business, advertising, sales agreements, financial statements, name)
    • Complaints
    • Investigations
    • Hearings
    • Independent Arbitration
    • Permitting and Inspection Requirements
    • Civil Rights (Elliot-Larson Civil Rights Act)
    • Fair House and American Disabilities Act (ADA) (Michigan Barrier Free Design, sales, office facility, hiring, employee practices)
    • EPA Regulations for Hazardous Materials (asbestos, lead, radon)
    • Salespersons
  • Types of Business Organization
    • Proprietorships
    • Limited Liability Companies (LLC)
    • Corporations
    • Partnerships
  • Estimating
    • Estimating Pertaining to Residential Building
  • Contracts
    • Requirements
    • Definition
    • Types
    • Terminology
    • Binding
    • Addenda
    • Change Orders
    • Warranties
    • Financing Requirements
    • Breach
  • Project Management and Administration
    • Quality Assurance/Quality Control
    • Materials/Logistics
    • Cost Management
    • Subcontractors
    • Inspections
    • Scheduling
    • Draws
    • Progress Payments
    • Retainage
    • Customer Service
  • Accounting and Finance
    • Payroll
    • Tax Obligations (Federal, State, Unemployment
    • Costs and Expenses
    • Sales and Accounts Receivable
    • Cash Flow
    • Balance Sheets
    • Income Statements
    • Ratios
  • Insurance, Bonds and Liens
    • Insurance — Liability
    • Insurance — Workers' Compensation
    • Insurance — Vehicle
    • Insurance — Property
    • Insurance — Property Damage
    • Insurance — Title
    • Insurance — Employee (social security, unemployment, disability, benefits)
    • Insurance — Business
    • Insurance — Accident
    • Builders' Risk
    • Bonds
    • Liens Placement (Construction Lien Act)
  • Personnel
    • Employee Safety and Administration (recordkeeping, MIOSHA, penalties)
    • Federal and State Labor Laws (wages, overtime, minors)
    • Employee Benefits (health, retirement, vacation, etc.)
  • Site Engineering
    • Surveying (reference points, monuments, flood plains, wetlands, benchmarks)
    • Septic requirements
    • Well requirements
    • Plot plan (building lines, setbacks, easements, restrictions, utility source locations)
    • Elevations (transit level, topographical)
    • Survey plans and symbols
  • Plans, Specifications and Estimating
    • Green building materials and methods
    • Construction techniques (new construction, remodeling)
    • Costs and labor estimating (material, equipment, project-specific gross income)
    • Installation (requirements allowing materials to acclimate)
    • Documentation procedures (submittals)
    • Permits/inspections based on permits
    • Types of plans (floor, framing, truss erection, foundations)
    • Symbols and legends
    • Scales and dimensions
    • Views, sections, and details
    • Schedules (window, door)
    • Materials estimating (takeoffs, volumes, measurements, areas, board feet)
  • Excavation/Sitework
    • Demolition methods and equipment
    • Federal requirements related to hazardous materials (asbestos, lead abatement)
    • Protection procedures prior to demolition (vegetation, structures, wildlife, artifacts)
    • Soil (testing, types, characteristics, compaction, material options)
    • Code requirements of drainage and water work
    • Trenching and excavating (methods, techniques)
    • MISS DIG
    • Soil erosion and sedimentation control
    • Grading (cut and fill, rough, finish, sloping)
    • Backfilling
    • Dewatering
  • Footings and Foundation Walls
    • Installation of wood foundations and columns (site requirements, conditions)
    • Installation methods, materials and requirements (structural, fastening, sillplates, foundation, moisture barriers, drainage, damp proofing, waterproofing, sealants)
    • Construction requirements (foot loading versus compacting of soil)
    • Footings (types, dimensions, specifications)
    • Foundation walls (concrete, masonry, installation of insulating concrete form, wood)
    • Concrete slab on grade
    • Anchoring systems
  • Concrete
    • Prior to concrete placement
    • Portland cement concrete mix design and additives
    • Installation of post pads
    • Methods for concrete reinforcement installation (code requirements, wire mesh, rebar, fiber)
    • Ingredients and aggregates
    • Characteristics
    • Types
    • Testing (slump, strength)
    • Flatwork (driveway, sidewalk, floors)
    • Placement of Construction Joints
    • Finishing (troweling, bull floating, broomed)
    • Curing
    • Admixtures (chloride, retarding agents)
    • Formwork
    • Proportions
    • Suspended concrete slabs and above-grade concrete
  • Carpentry
    • Bracing, bridging, and hangers
    • Span Tables
    • Fastening schedules
    • Loads (live, dead, floor load schedule, roof, wind)
    • Notching and boring
    • Sole, top plates, and band (rim) joists
    • Floor Framing (joists, truss joists)
    • Floor Decking/Subflooring
    • Wood framing for walls (exterior, sheathing, load bearing, kneewalls, wind bracing, partitions, interior soffits)
    • Fire blocking and draft stops
    • Roof framing (rafters, decking, dormers, valleys, soffits, fascia, pitch, crickets, saddlers)
    • Roof trusses (uplift, bracing)
    • Framing for Openings (vents, windows, doors, skylights, fireplaces, chimneys, attic access, crawl space, house fans)
    • Secondary weather plane (house wrap)
    • Stairs (interior, exterior, landings, railings, balusters, rise, run, clearances, width)
    • Exterior decks (fasteners, height, rails, materials, footings)
    • Wood flooring
    • Cabinetry
    • Finish trim
    • Molding
    • Michigan barrier free design requirements for ramps
  • Masonry
    • Effects of environmental conditions on construction
    • Application methods for mortar and grout
    • Reinforcement methods and materials for installations
    • Installation methods and materials (load bearing, non-load bearing)
    • Installation requirements (veneers, wall ties)
    • Fireplace and chimney requirements
    • Brick (walls, veneer, paver, fireplace)
    • Stone (manufactured, natural)
    • Construction details (brick ledge, lintels, headers, pilasters, piers, sills, keystones, patterns and bonds, forms and arches)
    • Anchors, ties, and reinforcement
    • Expansion/ control joints
    • Jointing
    • Flashing through (wall flashing, weep holes)
  • Roofing
    • Covering materials, installation and fastening methods
    • Materials and installation methods (flashing, gutter and downspout system)
    • Ventilation systems (ridge, box, soffit)
    • Drip edges and diverters
    • Water shield membranes (ice and rain guard)
    • Valleys
    • Reroofing
  • Insulation
    • Blanket
    • Batt (Faced)
    • Batt (Unfaced)
    • Blown-in (fiberglass, cellulose)
    • Sprayed-on foam
    • Foam Board
    • Fiberboard
    • Foil-Faced (reflective)
    • Energy code certification (rvalues, vapor barriers, reflectivity)
    • Sound
  • Ventilation
    • Attic (gable vents, baffles)
    • Foundation/crawl space
    • Bathroom
  • Windows, Doors and Skylights
    • Building code requirements related to energy performance requirements
    • Methods to prevent water and air intrusion around windows, skylights, and doors
    • Egress/Escape requirements
    • Safety glazing
    • Window sizing
    • Types of windows and doors (storm, screen, pocket door, bifold door, sliding windows, casement windows)
    • Size
    • Materials and parts
    • Installation and flashing
  • Siding Installation
    • Elements and installation (backer boards, flashing, vents, starter strips, fascia, soffits)
    • Types of siding (vinyl, wood, shingles and shakers, aluminum, steel, concrete)
  • Interior and Exterior Finishes
    • Methods and materials for installation (flooring, wall, ceiling, cabinetry, countertops, trim, molding, and handrails)
    • Application methods (wall finishes)
    • Drywall
    • Exterior painting and staining
    • Tile and marble
  • Specialties
    • Pool systems and barriers
    • Smoke/Carbon monoxide detectors
  • Safety and Employee Protection Including MIOSHA
    • Job Site Safety and Personnel Training (MIOSHA, First Aid and emergency procedures)
    • Protection of Workers and the Public (methods to control vehicular traffic)
    • Requirements for loading, transporting, unloading materials and equipment
    • Operating hoisting equipment
    • Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
    • Hazardous materials (propane, paint, gasoline, solvents)
    • Waste Disposal (non-hazardous and hazardous)
    • Excavation safety
    • Ladders and scaffolds
    • Fall protection
    • Roof, deck and ladder jacks
    • Lifting and digging equipment
    • Barricade and sign requirements
    • Manufacturer's safety recommendations for tools and equipment

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